Shimla is located in Himachal Pradesh and for the northern region Shimla is a gateway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Shimla is also known as ‘The Queen of Hill Station’, where you can explore the natural beauty, historical architecture, and tradition of Shimla. In the British era, Shimla was declared as ‘Summer Capital’, which is the utmost reason for colonial-era architecture. Himachal Pradesh’s Capital, Shimla is situated at the height of 2200m and is a popular hill station to explore with families, friends, and honeymooners.
Places to Visit in Shimla
Jakhoo Hill and Temple
Jakhoo Hill is the highest point of Shimla and is situated at a height of 8,000 ft. above sea level. The Jakhoo Hill is surrounded by alpine trees and the panoramic view of the Shivalik Range from this point makes you feel heavenly. At the Jakhoo Hill, a 108ft. tall statue of Lord Hanuman and the ancient Jakhoo Temple is a religious spot for the Hindu deity. You can also do trekking at Jakhoo Hill to enjoy the scenic view.
Mall Road
The Mall Road in Shimla is the heart of the city and tourists love to spend time over here. You can take a walk along with your partner or friend circle and enjoy the shopping. The traditional handicraft art crafts, cafes, restaurants, woolen clothes, wooden shops, perfume, and traditional religious items win your heart. You will love the scenic beauty & shops and if you want you can also explore the nearby places of Mall Road by walking.
Kalka – Shimla Railway
The Kalka – Shimla Toy Train is not a place it’s a memorable journey that takes you to the land of mountains, and hills, and the panoramic view throughout the journey mesmerizes you. Recently, UNESCO has added the Mountains Railway – India’s World Heritage Site which promotes tourism in Himachal Pradesh. During this journey, you will explore the bridges, tunnels, and various tourist spots like Tara Devi Temple, Summer Hill, Dharampur, and many other tourist places.
The Ridge
The Ridge is the most popular and picturesque place, the long wide streets and the Mountain View from this place make it the most attractive place. At The Ridge, lots of shops, restaurants, bars, cafe shops, and markets of traditional handicrafts are situated in a long queue. The tourist clicks end number of photographs at this place to capture the beautiful view. When you walk along The Ridge, you will reach Scandal Point which is another attraction spot for tourists.
Christ Church
During the time of the British era, Shimla was a summer retreat for the Britishers and for themselves they built churches over here. The Christ Church represents the architect of the colonial era, the antiques used in the church are the major attraction for the tourist. Nowadays, the Christ Church is a major landmark in Shimla, and at night it’s illuminated which makes this place a picturesque spot.
Summer Hill
Summer Hill is a quaint hill station and is known for its surreal beauty, panoramic view, and misty mountain. In winter, Summer Hill looks like a destination that we had seen in movies or reels and the place is less crowded which gives you personal space to enjoy the serene beauty.
Green Valley
The other tourist spot with less crowded and near to nature is Green Valley which is situated in between Shimla and Kufri. The misty mountains, lush green forest, and hill station trees, palm, and deodar make this place a scenic destination, especially for honeymoon couples.
Chadwick Falls
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Chadwick Fall is the most famous tourist spot which is situated at high altitude and are surrounded by thick forest of deodar and pine trees. The waterfall mesmerized you and if you visit this place in the season of monsoon then the water flow stormy.
Indian Institute of Advance Study
The Indian Institute of Advance Study is an historical place which was built in the British era, where the Viceroy of India resides. After independence the place was designated to the President of India and it was named as Rashtrapati Niwas. Later, the Present of India, Dr. Radhakrishnan converted this place into the research centre and for the studies of art and humanities. Tourist can visit the Indian Institute of Advance Study to experience the architect of colonial era.
Kali Bari Temple
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The Kali Bari Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Goddess Kali and the temple is close to the Mall Road. You can take a walk from Mall Road to the temple, to worship Devi Kali and explore the architecture of 18th century. At this temple, if you spend some time in the serene beauty, you will get peace and you feel connectivity with your inner soul.
Tara Devi Temple
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The 200-year-old (approx.) temple is situated at the top of Tara Mountain and you can visit this temple while on the way to Shimla, as the temple is located on the highway. Tara Devi one of the Nine Sisters of Goddess Durga and the ancient architect of this temple is magnificent.
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
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The Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex represents the building of the old era which was used by our ancient kings for conferences and meetings. In the era of the British, the complex was designed in the Victorian era and nowadays the cultural complex is used to organize events, and exhibitions and to showcase the art gallery.
Himachal State Museum
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The Himachal State Museum is also known as Shimla State Museum where you can explore the collections of handicrafts, miniature paintings, sculptures, weapons, armors, coins, bronze idols, and the heritage of our Indian culture. If you love to know more about our ancient history then you must visit this museum.
Viceregal Lodge
The Viceregal Lodge was situated at the highest point and was built for the viceroy who governed our country in 18th century. During the colonial era it was built as a summer retreat for the britishers. From this point, you can enjoy the scenic mountain view of the city.
Shaily Peak
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The Shaily Peak is surrounded with thick lush forest, pine and deodar trees, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Shimla. If you love nature, then don’t miss this place, enjoy the serene beauty of this place with your family. At Shaily Peak, you can do horse riding which cost minimal of approx. Rs.200/-.
Lakka Bazar
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The Lakka Bazar is situated at the hills of Jakhoo where you can experience the local shops, and can do shopping in the traditional market.
Scandal Point
Scandal Point is in walking distance from Mall Road and is located at the heart of Shimla. The Scandal View is famous for the sunset point and embrace this moment lots of tourist pay visit over here. This point is covered with the misty mountains and in the winters the mountains are covered with snow.
Annandale
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The Annandale is surrounded with the lush green forest, pine, oak and deodar trees and the ancient playground is used for playing various sports. The Annandale Army Heritage Museum is situated near to the stadium, don’t forget to explore this heritage place.
Johnnie’s Wax Museum
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The Johnnie’s Wax Museum is also known as Madame Tussauds Museum, and has statues of various famous actors, sportsmen, politicians, sports person and others. You can visit this place by paying Rs. 250/- per person and enjoy the time by clicking the photographs with your famous celebrities.
Himalayan Bird Park
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The Himalayan Bird Park is for the nature and bird lovers, in this park you can explore the migrant birds. The park remains closed during the time of monsoon, but in summer season, tourist can pay visit the park. Enjoy can park with the nature, birds and click various photographs.
Best Time to Visit Shimla
Shimla is famous for its pleasant weather and in every season you can experience the other side of Shimla. The most popular month to visit Shimla is from March to June, as the whole Northern region suffers from heat-wave and the temperature of Shimla is around 15 to 25 degrees Celsius and you can the activities. During winter you can enjoy the snowfalls and the temperature of Shimla drop to minus, if you want to observe the winter then plan it in between December to February.
How to Reach Shimla
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport which is 22 km from the city. You can also fly to Chandigarh which is 113km from Shimla and from there you can take a bus, taxi, or cab.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station which is well connected to the union territories (Delhi and Chandigarh)
- Nearest Bus Stand: ISBT Bus Stand is the nearest Bus Stand in Shimla. All the major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh are well connected. You can take a Volvo bus to reach Shimla.
Final Thought
The charming hill station is packed with a lot of treasury, the natural beauty and the feel of the old age era make Shimla a Queen of Hill Station. If you want to relax while enjoying the adventurous activities then don’t miss the trip to Shimla. During your visit don’t forget to go shopping, eat Pahado wali Maggi, and of course a lot of pictures to upload on your Instagram page.
Pack your bag and explore the unexplored place with Hema.